consolation by candlelight

6.14.24

revised 8.18.24

in the other hemisphere,

quiet. Presence dims tonight

inputs said: don’t keep them near

burn candles to quell the fright

sweet dependence, i welcome

contingent beings, we are

in truth, the fear is seldom

it just comes when we feel far

away from our dear Sovereign

darkness seems to swallow light

that which we view as foreign

casts shadows and blurs our sight

abide in the collection

of safety and protection

three is special - redundant

ten thousand - all abundant

a symphony of hymnals

coheres into one message

sends to all loving signals

announced as one divine pledge

now, in this hemisphere here,

noise. Presence flowers in song

a proposal: persevere

Promise: respite won’t be long